Bottega di Pasticceria

Someone who has called his debut business “La panacea del Bartolini” (Bartolini’s cure-all) does not suddenly become a pastry chef. He knows very well that he is offering a menu with a strong influence on the most refined palates. An almost supernatural power. For this reason, Simone Bartolini strongly believes that their shops should be located on narrow and little-known streets, and he argues “the quality of the product must bring the customer to us, not the other way around.”

Supernatural or not, Simone Bartolini has come a long way since his panacea. Today the Lungarno Ferrucci in Florence hosts his Bottega di Pasticceria, a new business whose creation was “precipitated” by his experience as manager of the Caffetteria degli Uffizi. Sweet and savoury dishes, first courses and aperitifs. The Bottega’s formula is to welcome customers any time of the day – and its availability has recently doubled, with the opening of a new shop in Via Masaccio, also in the historic centre of Florence.

Where does this story begin? The Bartolini family saga begins with their experience as hoteliers. “It was 1969, and I was born a year later,” Simone Bartolini, now manager of the family business, recalls. “I was born right in the hotel.” In the ‘70s, the Bartolini family owned two hotels in Florence, one near the station and another in the centre.

“As a child I was almost always in my high chair in the hotel restaurant kitchen while my mom was working. I don’t know if it really means anything”, confides Simone, “but I can say that I literally took my first steps in the kitchen!”

The bond with Aba is very strong, and has historical roots. “It’s very nice to see Massimo working with his family, including his daughter Rebecca for over a year now; I think this what sets their company apart. Being able to discuss things in the family and make each decision together improves the final result.” On the functionality and aesthetics of the various rooms, Simone asked Massimo to use the same furnishings, the same wooden panels and the same windows, changing only the shapes. “We wanted timeless furnishing that didn’t reflect any particular historical moment.” “The most important thing about Aba, however, is having a complete vision of the spaces. For example, in the refrigeration area, Aba does not just put together existing pieces but creates new customised ones, adapting them to the available spaces. They are also very efficient in their assistance: they respond within 24 hours. Massimo always has a few technicians around the city!”

One of Simone’s great passions is wine. “I visited the cellars of half of Europe along with the late Giancarlo Notari, who was director general of the Antinori Winery. I love suggesting precious bottles and special and fine wines in my restaurants.”